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Dicko Planning For Pride Park

Striker Looking Forward To Rams Fixture

Nouha Dicko believes the experience he gained during last season’s visit to Derby County will provide him with a good insight into what to expect this weekend, as The Seasiders prepare for Saturday's trip to the East Midlands.

The 20-year-old was not part of the match-day squad the last time Blackpool faced Nigel Clough’s side, a 2-1 defeat in March, but he received a first-hand look at the team he could be facing tomorrow afternoon.

“Last season against Derby I wasn’t involved, but I watched the game from the bench. We lost the game and I can remember that they were quite a good team," Dicko said.

"They were strong, they put in a lot of tackles and you could see they were a very tough side to play against.”

The Wigan Athletic loanee scored twice in a behind closed doors game against Preston North End on Tuesday afternoon, as the Tangerines emerged with a 3-2 victory. However it was match sharpness, not local pride, which Dicko was playing for, and he hopes the extra time on the pitch will pay dividends in the upcoming Championship fixtures.

“I was really pleased with the game because the team performance was good – there are obviously always things you can do better but overall we played well. I’m always very happy to score as well.

“In the last five or six games I’ve come off the bench, so it was very important for me to play 90 minutes. Originally I wasn’t meant to play but I asked if I could and I’m happy that I could go and do a good job for the team.”

The Frenchman has been used as something of a ‘super-sub’ by Ian Holloway so far this season, making 10 of his 12 appearances from the bench and scoring vital goals against Leeds United and Hull City.

While content in his current role, Dicko is determined to convince the manager that in future he can make an impact in games from a starting berth.

“Like every player I prefer to start games, but for the moment the gaffer feels I'm better as a sub. I’m just going to keep working hard and do everything that I can do to change his mind.”

They were strong, they put in a lot of tackles and you could see they were a very tough team to play against.”